Govt to announce fresh dates for special OTET soon
The announcement followed the recent leak of the special OTET question paper, which led to the postponement of the exam scheduled for July 20. School and mass education Minister Nityananda Gond said the govt was "committed to ensuring transparency and safeguarding the integrity of the examination system." He added that technology was being used to ensure fairness in both recruitment and academic examinations, including Class X and XII board exams.
"In the case of the special OTET, steps were taken to introduce watermarks and QR codes, yet some people still tried to leak the question paper. The state govt will take strong action against those involved, no matter what position they hold," Gond said.
Over 75,000 in-service teacher candidates were scheduled to appear for the special OTET across more than 100 centres. However, the Board of Secondary Education (BSE) Odisha abruptly postponed the exam just hours before it was to start, after question papers identical in handwritten and printed form were found circulating on social media.
The postponement has caused anxiety among aspirants, many of whom travelled long distances to reach exam centres. "Clearing the special OTET is crucial for in-service teachers seeking promotion and regularisation of service. Fresh dates will be announced soon," Gond said.
As part of the ongoing crime branch investigation, six persons were arrested on Wednesday, and three others were detained. The arrests followed intensive enquiry and technical surveillance, official sources said.
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